§ 15. Dr. George TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the prospects for offshore wind power generation. [71612]
§ Mr. BattleI launched a consultation paper on incorporating offshore wind energy into future non-fossil fuel obligation arrangements at the British Wind Energy Association's conference in Cardiff on 2 September 1998. The responses which have been received are being assessed by my officials. Meanwhile, the Crown Estate have announced the arrangements they have made with372W developers to undertake wind speed measurements on five potential offshore windfarm sites. I expect to launch a consultation on future new and renewable energy policy shortly.